Investigating how BNIP3 affects fat balance in the liver
Official title: The Role of BNIP3 in Lipid Homeostasis in the Liver
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11087458 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called BNIP3 helps control fat in the liver, which could lead to better treatments for people with liver issues like Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH).
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DK138743-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11087458 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals over 21 years old who are experiencing or at risk for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease or related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with liver diseases unrelated to fat accumulation or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of a specific protein, BNIP3, in managing fat levels in the liver, particularly in conditions like Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). The study will explore how BNIP3 influences the process of mitophagy, which is the removal of damaged mitochondria, and its effect on lipid accumulation in liver cells. By examining these mechanisms, the research aims to uncover potential new treatments for liver diseases linked to obesity and fat buildup. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved management or therapies for liver conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating liver diseases associated with fat accumulation, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting mechanisms like mitophagy can be effective in managing liver conditions, suggesting that this approach may yield promising results.
Where this research is happening
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University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bock-Hughes, Althea — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Bock-Hughes, Althea
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.